Lübeck, Germany, is a picturesque city at any time, but at Christmas it shines, with up to an amazing nine markets that comprise Lübeck Christmas Market in the old section of town. Walk around and see hundreds of shopping stalls. Create a magical holiday season for your partner and yourself or enjoyment for the whole family in this quaint city near the Baltic Sea.
If you can only visit one market, see the Weihnachtsmärkt in the city center, next to City Hall, for its dazzling building façades incorporating thousands of lights. Behind this area, visit Weihnachtsmärchenwald an der Marienkirche, which has a fairy-tale theme. Here costumed performers provide entertainment for all ages. Keep going for another market not far away in Koberg Square where you’ll find a Ferris wheel and other amusement rides for everyone. Christmas isn’t just for children after all.
Shop for regionally made handicrafts at an inside market in St. Petri Kirche (St. Peter’s Church) and ride the elevator to the top of the church’s tower for a breathtaking view of the twinkling lights below.
Find more handicrafts at the market run by the German Association for Women and Culture in the Heiligen-Geist-Hospital (Hospital of the Holy Spirit). This spot is worth visiting just for its medieval atmosphere, as the hospital was founded in the 13th century to be a charitable institution.
Lübeck is well known for its marzipan. At Christmas this colorful almond-flavored treat becomes even more popular. Enter one of the many stores specializing in this delight. Near the Town Hall, one store, J. G. Niederegger, even has its own Christmas market of this treat made especially for the season.
Whichever market you visit, you’re never far from stalls selling mulled wine, German sausages and hot roasted nuts. Christmas market shopping can become a thirsty and hungry affair.
Seasonal concerts are interspersed throughout the markets creating festive sounds at this UNESCO World Heritage town. Enjoy Christmas the way it’s been celebrated for centuries at Lübeck Christmas Market.
